Bengals release offensive tackle Levi Jones

by Kirkendall on May 6, 2009 12:49 PM EDT Comment 14 comments

After a few weeks of posturing between agent and ownership, the Bengals finally released left tackle Levi Jones on Wednesday, writes Joe Reedy.

After two months of rumors and speculation about his future, the Bengals released Levi Jones on Wednesday. Jones was drafted in the first round by the team in 2002 and spent seven seasons here.

"Prior to the owner’s meeting the team said he was going to be traded before or during the draft and if nothing happened there they would release him,” Jones' agent, Kenneth Zuckerman, said last week. “It wasn’t us asking this. Levi isn’t asking for this. This is all brought up by them.”

Jones figures to be a $500,000 hit against the cap, writes Geoff Hobson.

Since there is no salary cap next season in the NFL, the Bengals assume what is left of Jones' pro-rated signing bonus in this year's cap. Since he was scheduled to make in excess of $3 million this season, that figures to be about a $500,000 hit.

The Bills and 49ers have reportedly expressed some interest in the past for Jones.

Releasing Jones all but assures that the Bengals will, save unforeseen circumstances, start Anthony Collins and Andre Smith at tackle this year.

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I’m fine with Collins and Smith starting but we are going to need some depth. I’m sure with the draft and FA signings some average OT’s will be let go that we can hopefully sign for cheap.

by smoormandiddy on May 6, 2009 1:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RE:

You could always keep Whitworth as your backup tackle, and then mix around the guards a little.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Kirkendall on May 6, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

true

our depth at Guard is deeper than Tackle, Livings can hold his own and Kooistra isnt a loser, in fact hes a backup at tackle also

by firstPick on May 6, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

goodbye levi

the dude played injured a lot. his body just wore down too fast……

we need a solid backup

by nadfflictar on May 6, 2009 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

So long

Levi. Thanks for your time.

by IFChris on May 6, 2009 1:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

$3M

Just too much for a back up tackle.

by BamaBengal on May 6, 2009 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He was a good player for the Bengals, he played alot of games while hurt. thanks for your time Levi

by firstPick on May 6, 2009 2:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I hate badmouthing players that gave their body to this team. He was a great player for many years and did not leave on a bad note ie. Dillon, Pickens, Spikes.

by smoormandiddy on May 6, 2009 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Like everybody’s already saying, he played hurt and provided nothing but top-shelf protection 99% of the time. I quickly got over my anger over the Bengals leaving Shockey on the board when I saw what a pile of bedrock he was on that O-line.

Thanks, Levi…you and Willie were men among boys.

by TheWalrus1971 on May 6, 2009 2:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope

he at least gets to play a couple more seasons. He was on his to way to being a pro bowler (I think) before the run of injuries. Thanks for sticking with us Levi.

It's still a good season if we go 2-14 and beat the Steelers twice.

by Bengals FTW on May 6, 2009 2:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i think he was probowl alternate twice

by firstPick on May 6, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Levi!

I never thought he was an issue for us, other than being injured when we needed him, but that being said, I hope he can get a backup spot, get healthy and have a good end to his career.

by UpStateMike on May 6, 2009 4:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I am pretty upset

I liked Levi he was the blocker that Rudi ran to alot. The line has changed so much in 3 years. Last year it was Big Willie now it Levi. I watched a pre-season game when Cincy played New Orleans and Palmer got sacked and Levi ran over and helped him up. I am going to miss small things like that.

by cincyboy on May 6, 2009 6:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs